This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
Published on October 12, 2019, Goro wa Kamau's novel Beyond the Shadow delves into the dangers of social media, where the lines between reality and fiction are increasingly blurred.
At the heart of the story is Queen Minji, a young girl who becomes embroiled in a cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer, Bon Menja, who uses social media to lure and trap his victims.
Bon's backstory is marked by tragedy, including the death of his sister, which he blames on a witch. This event sets him on a path of revenge against women, whom he believes are desperate to be loved.
As Queen becomes increasingly entangled in Bon's web of deceit, she begins to question her own perceptions of reality. Meanwhile, a team of plain-clothes police are hot on Bon's trail, but their efforts are hindered by his cunning use of social media.
Through Queen's story, Kamau raises important questions about the impact of social media on our lives, including the ways in which it can be used to manipulate and deceive.
Ultimately, Beyond the Shadow is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to think critically about the role of social media in our lives.
